Antihypertensive drug-associated sexual dysfunction: a prescription analysis-based study.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common concern impacting patient quality of life.
• Antihypertensive medications are frequently associated with drug-induced sexual dysfunction.
• Understanding physician prescribing patterns is crucial for optimizing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if primary care physicians consider age, gender, and diabetes mellitus as risk factors for SD when prescribing antihypertensives.
• To assess adherence to international guidelines in antihypertensive drug selection.

Main Methods:

• A prescribing survey was conducted among primary care physicians in Bahrain.
• The survey focused on hypertensive patients, with and without diabetes mellitus.
• Data analysis examined drug choices in relation to patient demographics and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Beta-blockers, particularly atenolol, were over-prescribed to young male hypertensives, often at high doses.
• Prescription patterns for diuretics showed limited age and gender differentiation.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were more frequently prescribed to middle-aged males, including those with diabetes.

Conclusions:

• Physicians demonstrated a lack of attention to antihypertensive-induced SD, evidenced by inappropriate beta-blocker and diuretic prescribing.
• Underutilization of effective antihypertensive combinations (e.g., ACE inhibitors with diuretics or CCBs) was observed.
• Prescribing practices often deviated from international guidelines, highlighting a need for physician education on SD risks.